Understanding The Basics Of Parkinson’S Disease (PD) Eugene-Springfield, Oregon
The cause of Parkinson’s is largely unknown. It is a progressive disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain responsible for body movement.
How Neurons Work and how Parkinson’s Disease Affects the Brain
Nerve cells, or neurons, are responsible for sending and receiving nerve impulses or messages between the body and the brain. Imagine an electrical circuit made up of numerous wires connected in such a way that when a light switch is flipped, a light bulb “lights up”. Similarly, a neuron that is excited will transmit its energy to neurons that are next to it.
Information from one neuron flows to another neuron across a small gap called a synapse (SIN-aps). At the synapse, electrical signals are translated into chemical signals in order to cross the gap. Once on the other side, the signal becomes electrical again.
Dopamine is the chemical messenger in the brain that helps the electrical signal transmit across the synapse gap. It’s stored in sacks at the end of nerve cells on either side of the gap. The dopamine molecules cross the synapse and fit into special receptors on the receiving cell, which then is stimulated to pass the message on, sending signals that control muscle movement and other functions.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects nerve cells in deep part of the brain called the basal ganglia and the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in the substantia nigra produce the neurotransmitter dopamine and are responsible for relaying messages that plan and control body movement. For reasons not yet understood, the dopamine-producing nerve cells of the substantia nigra begin to die off in some individuals. When 80 percent of dopamine is lost, Parkinson’s Disease symptoms occur.
The most common motor related symptoms of Parkinson’s are:
- Slow movements
- Freezing and inability to initiate movement
- Shuffling gait
- Stooped posture
- Rest tremor
- Small handwriting
- Quiet voice
- Decrease facial expression
Non-motor related symptoms of Parkinson’s:
Some of these symptoms may predate the disease onset by up to twenty years
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Apathy
- Loss senses of smell
- Sleep problems
- Vivid dreams and dream enacting
- Urinary problems
- Constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Swing in blood pressure
- Cognitive impairment
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hallucinations
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Medications
Medications are used either alone or in combination and need to be taken several times a day as each dose wears off before the next dose is taken.
The medications address the problem of decreased dopamine in several ways:
Help conserve dopamine in the brain
Help increase release of dopamine
Introduce agents that mimic dopamine
Drug Pump
When Parkinson’s is not easily controlled with medications a pump that delivers the medications directly to the intestines may be considered.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery
DBS is used when medications fail to control the fluctuation of the symptoms or when side effects of medications are intolerable. Electrodes send electrical signals to specific areas of the brain responsible for body movement. The electrodes are controlled by a stimulator placed under the skin in the chest area. The electrical pulses sent from the stimulator through the electrodes block the nerve signals in the brain that cause the movement disorder symptom.
Ronit helped solve a continuing health problem of my Dad’s, just by listening to him and finding appropriate treatment. With me living 300 miles away, I have counted on her to be my Dad’s advocate and she has always provided the best assistance. Ronit spent a lot of time to get to know my dad's history, as well as the current pressing issues. She has an incredible work ethic and will strive to provide the best for her clients.
Bari Clemons
Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease
There are several types of exercises and physical activities that have been proven to help decrease, slow and even reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Any exercises done on a regular basis, such as daily walks, dancing or workouts in the gym, are beneficial. Here are some ideas:
Rock Steady Boxing™
Rock Steady Boxing™ classes, designed specifically to help people with Parkinson’s disease, improve mobility and dexterity. The program’s core is based on connection, consistency and compassion and, combined with the skills boxing develops – agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, balance, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength – it’s an incredible stress-reliever, confidence-booster, fun activity.
Delay the Disease™
A fitness program designed to empower people with Parkinson’s disease by targeting their symptoms and optimizing their physical functions. This effective fitness program focuses on creating new pathways and new habits to fight the ‘old habits’ of Parkinson’s (small movement, rigidity, freezing, shuffled gait etc.) , combining physical exercise with cognitive and multi-tasking exercises.
Dance for Parkinson’s
Dance classes engage the participants’ minds and bodies and create an enjoyable, social environment that emphasizes dancing, rather than therapy. Dance involves elements of balance, sequencing and rhythm to address Parkinson’s symptoms.
A Home to Fit You is experienced in advising clients on which care facilities are best suited to handling residents with Parkinson’s disease. Let us share success stories of how a background in Physical Therapy is essential in understanding a Parkinson’s disease patient’s care needs.
Common questions families ask about caring for Parkinson’s Disease
What are the early signs of Parkinson’s?
When families ask me what Parkinson’s disease is, they’re often really asking, “Is this what I’m starting to see?”
The early signs of Parkinson’s can be subtle: a slight tremor in one hand, stiffness, slower movement, softer speech, smaller handwriting, or changes in facial expression. Some people notice balance issues or mood changes even before movement symptoms appear. One of the more common signs I hear people report is a loss of sense of smell (often with no other visible symptoms).
Parkinson’s progresses differently for each person, and understanding the stages of Parkinson’s disease helps families plan rather than react. If you’re noticing changes and wondering whether they’re significant, it’s okay to trust that instinct. An early conversation can make the road ahead feel much more manageable.
Is Parkinson’s disease fatal, and how long can someone live with it?
This is a question families often ask quietly. Is Parkinson’s fatal?
Unlike dementia, which is a progressive and terminal disease, Parkinson’s itself is not considered a terminal disease. Many people live with it for decades. However, symptoms can become more complex over time, especially in later stages, and complications such as falls or infections can affect health and longevity.
What matters most isn’t just how long someone lives, but how well they live (quantity vs. quality of life). With the right medical care, exercise, therapy, and support, people can maintain quality of life for many years. If you’re trying to understand what a diagnosis may mean for your family in the long term, I’m here to help you think it through.
What safety changes should we make at home for someone living with Parkinson’s?
As Parkinson’s symptoms in elderly adults progress, safety at home becomes essential, especially since falls are common. Simple changes can make a big difference: removing tripping hazards, improving lighting, adding grab bars, and rearranging furniture to allow clear walking paths.
Because Parkinson’s walking problems and balance changes increase Parkinson’s fall risk, prevention is key. I often remind families that safety changes aren’t about taking independence away; they’re about preserving it.
If you’re unsure what adjustments matter most, I can help you evaluate Parkinson’s home safety step by step.
What exercise or physical therapy helps someone with Parkinson’s?
Movement is medicine for Parkinson’s. Exercise for Parkinson’s, especially ones that focus on balance, strength, agility, and gait, can help slow decline and reduce stiffness.
Programs like walking routines, strength training, boxing-based therapy, and Parkinson’s-specific physical therapy can all support mobility and confidence. The key is consistency and tailoring the plan to the individual. Here in Lane County, we have a few options for engaging in an ongoing exercise program.
If you’re wondering what type of therapy makes sense or when to start, that’s a great time to reach out and talk it through.
How does Parkinson’s affect walking, falls, and mobility in seniors?
Over time, Parkinson’s can affect posture, stride length, balance, and coordination. Parkinson’s walking problems, like shuffling, freezing, or difficulty turning, are common and can increase Parkinson’s fall risk, especially in seniors.
These changes are frightening for families to watch and exhausting to manage alone. Early support, therapy, and proper supervision can reduce injuries and preserve confidence.
If mobility concerns are starting to impact daily life, you don’t need to navigate that alone.
What are the treatment options for Parkinson’s?
There are many Parkinson’s treatment options, and most involve a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Parkinson’s medications and side effects vary widely, and finding the right balance often takes time.
DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is a treatment option for many people living with Parkinson’s that helps with managing symptoms.
There are also new Parkinson’s treatments emerging (such as the Parkinson’s pump), which is encouraging, but they don’t replace the need for practical, day-to-day support. Treatment works best when medical care and real-life planning go hand in hand.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by treatment decisions, I’m happy to help you make sense of the bigger picture.
How do families pay for Parkinson’s care?
Paying for care often involves a combination of private funds, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and other resources such as Medicaid. Planning ahead, even if a move isn’t immediate, can reduce stress later.
If finances feel confusing or overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I can help you understand options and plan next steps.
When is deep brain stimulation or surgery considered for Parkinson’s?
Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s may be considered when medications no longer adequately control symptoms or cause significant side effects. It’s not right for everyone, and timing matters.
Families often struggle with when to consider this option and what it really changes. These decisions can feel heavy, and it helps to have guidance beyond just medical facts. A neurologist specializing in movement disorders is the one to consult.
When does someone with Parkinson’s need in-home care or extra support?
There’s no single moment, but when daily tasks, safety, or caregiver exhaustion increase, in-home Parkinson’s care can be a lifeline. A Parkinson’s caregiver doesn’t replace family; they support both the person with Parkinson’s and those who love them.
If care at home is becoming harder, that’s not a failure. It’s a sign that more support is needed
When is it time to move to assisted living or another care facility?
Families often ask me about assisted living and Parkinson’s disease and whether it’s the right fit. Early or moderate Parkinson’s can often be supported in assisted living, especially in communities experienced with mobility challenges.
Advanced Parkinson’s may require higher levels of care. Understanding care facilities and what each level truly provides can prevent rushed decisions later.
If you’re searching for Parkinson’s care in Eugene or Springfield, I can help guide you to options that truly fit your loved one’s needs.
Will someone with Parkinson’s eventually need memory care?
Not everyone with Parkinson’s develops dementia, but some do over time. If cognitive changes become significant, memory care may be appropriate later on.
Planning allows families to stay grounded rather than reactive. If you’re worried about what may come next, it’s okay to talk about it early.
What does a Parkinson’s diagnosis mean for our family?
A Parkinson’s diagnosis affects everyone, not just the person receiving it. It changes roles, routines, and expectations. Families often feel scared, uncertain, and overwhelmed.
You don’t need all the answers today. You just need support and guidance for the next step.
If you’re navigating Parkinson’s care, whether at home or considering assisted living or memory care for Parkinson’s in Eugene or Springfield, I’m here to help you find clarity, support, and a path forward, one step at a time.
How much does assisted living or memory care cost per month in the Eugene-Springfield area?
Assisted Living and Memory care costs vary. Memory care communities’ costs are typically higher than those of assisted living due to additional supervision and specialized staffing.
The fee is determined by two factors: room and board (which varies by apartment size) and the level of care, which is assessed and can vary from person to person. Those fees increase every year.
Families in Eugene and Springfield often ask about assisted living or memory care near me and what’s realistic financially. Understanding costs early helps avoid surprises later.
If you’d like help comparing options or understanding local pricing, I’m happy to guide you.
